New Rule Upholds Right to Refuse Abortion

WASHINGTON (AP) - In its final days, the Bush administration isissuing a federal rule reinforcing protections for doctors andother health-care workers who refuse to participate in abortionsand other procedures because of religious or moral objections.

Critics of the rule say the protections are so broad that they limit a patient's right to get care and accurate information. For example, they fear the rule could make it possible for a pharmacy clerk to refuse to sell birth control pills and face no ramifications from an employer.

Under longstanding federal law, institutions may not discriminate against individuals who refuse to perform abortions or provide a referral for one. The administration's rule, issued Thursday, is intended to ensure that federal funds don't flow to providers who violate those laws.

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